Winter and Holiday Hazards for Cats

Here are some tips for keeping your cats out of danger during the holiday season.

FOOD ITEMS

AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Cat

Alcoholic beverages

Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)

Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)

Moldy or spoiled foods

Onions, onion powder

Salt

Yeast dough

PLANTS

Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger,
Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.

Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and
may cause mild vomiting or nausea.

Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes
gastrointestinal upset.

Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be
breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.

Electric cords - Avoid pet exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your cat. Cover up or
hide electric cords, never let your cat chew on them.

Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.

Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the
gastrointestinal tract.

Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

MEDICATIONS

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your cats, preferably in closed cabinets. Remind
holiday guests to store their medications safely as well.

Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human
medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. Less than one regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg)
could stomach ulceration in a 7-pound cat.

During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their
animals without their veterinarian's advice. Never give your cat any medications unless under the directions of a
veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one
regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7 pounds.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze
can be deadly to a cat. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured
cabinets. If you think your cat has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian right away!

Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Cats are often exposed to
liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing
the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of cats to
some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the
quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.

Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in
areas that are inaccessible to your cats.

ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!

Your cat may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers
for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in
a convenient location. If you suspect that your cat has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Please Note: CFA provides the feline health information on this site as a service to the public. Diagnosis
and treatment of specific conditions should always be in consultation with one's own veterinarian. The Cat Fanciers'
Association, Inc. disclaims all warranties and liability related to the veterinary advice and information provided on this
site.

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